The formation of cell-cell adherens junctions is a cadherin-mediated process associated
with reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Because Rho family GTPases regulate actin
dynamics, we investigated whether cadherin-mediated adhesion regulates the activity of
RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42. Confluent epithelial cells were found to have elevated Rac1 and
Cdc42 activity but decreased RhoA activity when compared with low density cultures. Using
a calcium switch method to manipulate junction assembly, we found that induction of cell …